The Simpsons may be cancelled after 23 years

The Simpsons is the longest-running comedy series on US television, but due to a pay dispute Fox may be unable to afford to keep it on air.

ByPiya Sinha-Roy, ReutersOctober 7, 2011

The Simpsons producer said Tuesday, that the show can't continue under its current financial model. That follows a report that big pay cuts are being sought for the actors who provide voices for Homer, Marge and Bart Simpson and the other characters.

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The future of long-running animated television comedy "The Simpsons" appeared to be up in the air on Tuesday after 20th Century Fox Television said it could not continue to afford producing the show under its current business model.

Fox Television, a unit of News Corp , issued its statement after a report that the cast of the subversive comedy had refused a proposed 45 percent pay cut.

"We believe this brilliant series can and should continue, but we cannot produce future seasons under its current financial model," Fox said.

"The Simpsons" is the longest-running comedy series on U.S. television and is currently in its 23rd season on Fox. The show also generates billions of dollars through global syndication, as well as DVD and merchandise sales.